CAEA YOUTH ART MONTH

What is Youth Art Month?

The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month at the national level. Festivities take place annually, traditionally each March, to celebrate visual arts for grades K – 12. The Youth Art Month Program emphasizes the value of art education for all children, encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety.

Youth Art Month also provides a forum for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences that are not possible in other curriculum subjects.

Started in 1961 through the Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) and in cooperation with the National Art Education Association (NAEA), Youth Art Month exists to

1. Recognize art education as a viable factor in the total education curricula that develops citizens of a global society. 2. Recognize art is a necessity for the full development of better quality of life for all. 3. Direct attention to the value of art education for divergent and critical thinking. 4. Expand art programs in schools and stimulate new art programs. 5. Encourage commitment to the arts by students, community organizations, and individuals everywhere. 6. Provide additional opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate in creative art learning. 7. Increase community, business and governmental support for art education. 8. Increase community understanding and interest in art and art education through involvement in art exhibits, workshops, and other creative ventures. 9. Reflect and demonstrate the goals of the National Art Education Association that work toward the improvement of art education at all levels.

Flag Program

To promote Youth Art Month, the Council for Art Education coordinates Youth Art Month activities at the national level. The primary event is the State Flag Program. Each state coordinates a flag design contest, with the winning design made into a flag for display in the Youth Art Month Museum at the National Art Education Association National Convention in March.

Artwork Program

In addition to the flag contest, states also select and exhibit student artwork throughout the year. Winning artwork pieces are displayed in the Youth Art Month Museum at the National Art Education Association Convention in March.

Program Report/Digital Scrapbook

Youth Art Chairpersons also create digital scrapbook reports, documenting local observances, events, exhibits, proclamations, funding, and community support. Reports are submitted to CFAE, and programs are recognized for outstanding achievement.

Congratulations to the 2017 Southern Region Youth Art Month Winners!

Special Thanks to SARGENT ART for Supporting Youth Art Month in California!

High School Youth Art Month Ruth Jansen Awards

Each year a senior high school student from each Area YAM show is selected as that Area's Ruth Jansen Award winner and given a cash award. The funding for this award is provided by a special memorial trust fund established in memory of Ruth Jansen by her family, friends, and the community. We are grateful for the support and recognition this has provided for students. There is also a Ruth Jansen Award given to outstanding teachers as well. Read more about Ruth Jansen

A thank you note from Xue DiMaggio, winner of the 2016 Ruth Jansen student award.